Students across the country are preparing for careers in technology, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure, yet many employers still struggle to find early-career talent with job-ready skills. The Michigan Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (MICE) was created to close that gap. Despite the name, MICE operates in 12 states and continues to expand each year. Through its partnership with pepelwerk, MICE helps schools and employers connect students to real career pathways, industry-recognized training and meaningful work opportunities.
This partnership creates a clear bridge between classroom learning and the workforce. Companies gain access to emerging talent while students gain experience that prepares them for real jobs, not just graduation.
MICE provides students with high-quality cybersecurity education and certifications that are recognized by both states and industry. On the other hand, pepelwerk provides the operating platform that turns education into opportunity. Together, they make it possible for companies to engage with students early without building a complex recruitment or training program from scratch.
Organizations that partner with MICE and pepelwerk are able to connect with students already aligned to cybersecurity, IT and digital operations career pathways. Companies can offer learn-on-the-job experiences that reflect their own tools, processes and culture while developing talent that is ready to contribute. Over time, this creates a reliable pipeline where students move smoothly into entry-level roles once they complete their programs.
Learn-on-the-job opportunities through the MICE and pepelwerk partnership can take many forms, including practicums, apprenticeships, internships or skills-based entry-level roles. The process is designed to be simple and repeatable, without heavy administrative lift for employers.
Companies begin by selecting a primary point of contact and creating a Work Hub account on pepelwerk. From there, the pepelwerk Customer Success team works with your organization to define job profiles, learning expectations and student support needs. Once set up, companies are matched with MICE students who are actively preparing for careers in cybersecurity, IT and digital systems.
Throughout the experience, students receive guidance from work mentors, career coaches and work-readiness support. This ensures employers are working with learners who are prepared, professional and supported every step of the way.
Students participating through MICE receive structured support that removes common barriers to participation. This includes learning stipend funding through the MASA grant, access to MICE courses and credentials through pepelwerk’s Course Center and an AI Career Assistant that helps students align their skills, goals and coursework with real career paths.
Schools and classrooms are connected within the MICE Work Hub, allowing educators to guide progress while employers gain clarity and consistency. There are no traditional grant applications, no manual tracking and no disconnected systems. The result is a workforce model that works semester after semester.
Getting started is simple. Companies create a Work Hub account, meet with pepelwerk Customer Success to outline opportunities and begin matching with future cybersecurity professionals. You invest in learners. Learners invest in your organization. Together, MICE and pepelwerk help build a stronger, future-ready cybersecurity workforce.